Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

The curriculum requires 36 units and combines multidisciplinary topics with practical application. Required courses are:

• LEAD 705 - Foundations of Strategic Leadership (3)
• LEAD 707 - Organizational Behavior for Leaders (3)
• LEAD 719 - Cross-Cultural Leadership Communication (3) or LEAD 720 - Leadership Communication (3)
• LEAD 721 - Conflict, Collaboration and Negotiation (3)
• LEAD 722 - Biblical Leadership and Followership Development (3)
• LEAD 723 - Ethics and Biblical Principles for Leadership (3)
• LEAD 730 - Finance for Christian Leaders (3)
• LEAD 732 - Change and Transformation Strategies (3)
• LEAD 734 - Strategic Problem Solving (3)
• LEAD 752 - Developing Proposals for Change (3)
• LEAD 762 - Leadership Strategy, Innovation and Creativity (3)
• LEAD 766 - Leadership Capstone Project (3)

Threaded through the courses are questions of ethical leadership and practical change implementation; students complete a master's research/capstone project under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on academic records, work experience, and a personal statement reviewed by the School of Business Admissions Committee; nontraditional indicators may be considered. Applicants must submit an online application, official transcripts verifying a bachelor’s degree (a current transcript is acceptable if degree is in progress; a final transcript is required prior to enrollment), and a resume. If the cumulative undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 (4.0 scale), applicants must also provide a letter of explanation, an academic reference, and a statement of intent. International applicants must supply English proficiency scores (TOEFL minimum 550 PBT or 79 iBT, or IELTS 6.5), passport and visa information, and a statement of financial support.

Career prospects

The program cultivates competencies in strategic planning, organizational behavior, change management, ethical decision making, and leadership communication—skills applicable to leadership roles across nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Graduates are positioned to pursue roles that require leading teams, driving organizational change, developing strategic initiatives, and advising on ethical leadership practices.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Fresno Pacific offers cohort and institutional supports; recent FPU graduates who enroll in the semester immediately after completing their bachelor’s degree may qualify for the Sunbird Graduate Business Scholarship, which covers tuition for one course during each of the first two semesters. Prospective students are encouraged to consult FPU admissions for additional financial aid and scholarship options.